Rambunctious new memoir blows the lid off life in consumer society

LONDON - June 12, 2014 - PRLog -- An original contribution to the art of creative non-fiction as well as to the study of consumer culture, Working the Aisles takes a sometimes funny, sometimes shocking look at how capitalism has come to dominate the way we live, need and love. From the nightmare of shopping malls and big box stores, which we are forced to patronize in order to feed and clothe ourselves, to the commodification of courting, partnership and sex, the consumer society has made it very difficult for us to lives of freedom and gratification. The moving, funny stylish story this book tells of one man's effort to go on 'working the aisles'. It testifies to the difficulties of life in the age of neo-liberalism, and challenges us to live – and desire – better.

'A harrowing performance in lived theory'.

-- Kimberly Johnson, Brigham Young University, author of Uncommon Prayer and translator of Virgil's Georgics: A Poem of the Land. edit | delete

'Covering roughly 50 years, from 1960 till a few years ago, Working the Aisles paints a telling picture of the astounding economic and social changes of the half century. This is a very entertaining and at the same time melancholy and thoughtful novel-like trip into our ever-growing appetites. It should satisfy reading appetites of nearly everybody: rigorous scholars and those looking for a good and fresh story. Mr Appelbaum will keep you lively company for a couple of nights. You might even want to light a pipe.'

-- Josip Novakovitch, Concordia University, finalist for the Man Booker International Prize, author of April Fool's Day and Shopping for a Better Country. edit | delete